Africa: Alive and well in Australia!

Once a year the African residents of Australia get together to celebrate their art, their music, their food and their vibrant cultures.

On Saturday 9 March at Wyatt Park, Lidcombe in Sydney, the 10th annual Africultures Festival drew thousands of guests from all over Australia.

With two stages bursting with live music, fashion parades and a string of unique African performances, the huge contingent of visitors were treated to lively entertainment throughout the day. Even the kids were entertained at “Watotos Corner” with a huge array of activities including face painting, mask making, rock climbing and the ever popular jumping castle.

Jean Paul Amedee Nizigama and Philip Feinstein.

The organisers of this free event also catered to parents with prams, seniors and people in wheelchairs.

“I have been to many festivals in my life but this was one of the best” said Philip Feinstein of the Music for Refugees organisation. “The atmosphere all round was friendly and vibrant”.

African women have always had a tendency to wear bright colourful clothing – this could be witnessed throughout the day. Apart from the many fashions being displayed at various stalls, the fashion parades really showed the talents of many dress-makers. “It is always a treat to showcase our unique and colourful garments” said Blessing from Trendy-B-Designs.

The festival alive with activity.

With over 40 African countries being represented, there was even a six-a-side soccer tournament to entertain the guests.

SBS Radio interviewed many people including Philip Feinstein. “I was given the opportunity to talk about the plight of Burundi refugees.”

Entering its 10th-year, Africultures Festival is Australia’s largest African festival showcasing the many vibrant cultures of the African continent. This one-day festival held annually in March draws thousands of people from across Australia to immerse in the culture, food, music and African art. There were bustling market stalls selling arts and fashion, vibrant dancers and musicians appearing on two huge stages and delicious delicacies from around Africa, the festival was a jam-packed day full of fun for the whole family.

Africultures is a free community event, run by a dedicated team of volunteer African committee members. Africulture 2019 was attended by over 25,000 guests.

For more information and to register for next year, go to https://africultures.com.au/
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SPECIAL NOTE: The Jewish and other peoples of Australia would like to offer condolences to the New Zealand Muslim people who have suffered in the recent tragedies befallen on that nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.